'He's proven himself but for the Ballon d'Or I think Messi': Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher does not believe Virgil van Dijk will be named world's best player despite incredible season Jamie Carragher believes Virgil van Dijk won't win the Ballon d'Or this year Van Dijk enjoyed excellent season and helped Liverpool win Champions League Carragher feels Barcelona star Lionel Messi will win the prestigious prize By Jeorge Bird For Mailonline Published: 10:43 BST, 10 June 2019 | Updated: 10:46 BST, 10 June 2019 Viewcomments Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Virgil van Dijk will miss out on winning the Ballon d'Or despite enjoying an incredible season. Van Dijk was outstanding as he helped Liverpool win the Champions League, while his side also finished one point behind Premier League winners Manchester City. The 27-year-old has now been installed as the bookmaker's favourite to be crowned the best player in the world, but Carragher is adamant that Barcelona star Lionel Messi will win the prestigious prize. Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won't win the Ballon d'Or Van Dijk has had an excellent season but Carragher says centre-backs are unlikely to win Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: 'I saw he's gone ahead of Messi in the betting. I'd be thinking Messi to be honest – very rarely you see a centre-back get that. 'I think that (Fabio) Cannavaro got it on the back of winning the World Cup in 2006. 'I don't think his game has changed too much over the season. He's obviously had a great season but I think you've got to win big things and I think that Champions League has put that stamp on him being one of the world's best. Carragher instead feels that Barcelona star Lionel Messi will win the prestigious prize 'When we spoke earlier this season we always spoke about (Gerard) Pique and (Sergio) Ramos not necessarily that they were performing better than Van Dijk – but they have the medals for club and country.' Van Dijk missed out on the chance of further silverware on Sunday as Holland were beaten by Portugal in the final of the nations League. VIRGIL VAN DIJK'S 2018-19 SEASON Premier League: 38 games, four goals, two assists Champions League: 12 games, two goals, two assists Total: 50 games, six goals, four assists Carragher believes van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world but still feels Messi will win the Ballon d'Or. 'That's why he'll be disappointed today [missing out on Nations League]. Obviously it's not a World Cup or a Euros but it's just that nice little trophy for his country. 'But I think when you win something big, that's when you really cement yourself at that level and I think he is the best in the world in that position. He's proven himself. But, Ballon d'Or, I think Messi.' Since joining from Southampton in January 2018, van Dijk has helped Liverpool to become significantly more resilient at the back. A superb reader of the game, van Dijk will be aiming for more success with Liverpool next season as Jurgen Klopp's side look to win the Premier League. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility